Round The World and other travels

Like GB Airways closer to home, Cathay are obviously keen on getting the passengers aboard as early as possible : I was settled in 14A by 0933! Once again, doors 1 and 2 were both used for boarding, keeping the hoi polloi at a safe distance   Seriously, it really does help by allowing the cabin crew the space to carry out pre-departure service in the J cabin. I had a glass of orange juice and there was a hot towels service prior to pushback at 1000. As we began our take-off roll out of a very soggy KIX, I remember feeling that there was practically no kick at all from the engines, which contrasted sharply with the 777 that had brought me here a few days previously. Strangely, it was only at this stage that I noticed that the seating was in 2+2+2 formation, compared to 2+3+2 in the wider 777.

Menus and landing cards - I didn't need one as I was transiting through HKG on this occasion - were distributed soon after take-off. I had a glass of Champagne to celebrate a most enjoyable visit to Japan, together with some water and nuts. As I sipped my drink, I could scarcely believe my eyes as I noticed that the Western businessman-type in 12A (the seat directly in front of me) was using the space between his seat and the aircraft wall as a waste-paper bin , providing yet another example of slobbish behaviour in a premium cabin   It was all the more revolting coming from somebody who really should have known better. I debated collecting the offending items to see if they contained anything incriminating or embarrassing. Only later did it occur to me that with a camera and a website at my disposal, retribution could have been at hand!

I had all the various starters (although I didn't finish the noodles) and some garlic bread, which Cathay seems to do particularly well. Then I had the mixed grill, some Brie and Stilton from the cheeseboard, a small plate of fresh fruit and a cup of Earl Grey. Hot towels were provided immediately after the meal.

I finished my novel, grabbed some shut-eye and was woken by the 'ding' of the seat belt sign at 1250 Hong Kong time. The captain informed us that the temperature at Hong Kong was 33C! It was a spectacular approach over Kowloon, along the length of the Tsing Ma Bridge, along the Lantau coast and past the tower blocks of Tung Chung. We touched down at 1305 and made it to our stand by 1312. Interestingly, the crew apologised for the 7-minute delay!